Rangers 3-3 Celtic: Rabbi Matondo’s late leveller earns draw in six-goal Old Firm epic

Rabbi Matondo’s beautiful stoppage-time equaliser prevented Celtic extending their Scottish Premiership lead as Rangers got here from behind twice late on to attract a six-goal Previous Agency basic.

However Matondo accomplished the scoring in a scarcely-believable eight-minute finale to go away the groups separated by only one level, with Rangers having performed one recreation fewer.

Celtic had cruised right into a commanding lead after a sensational first-half show, throughout which Daizen Maeda scored after 21 seconds when James Tavernier’s clearance crashed off him and fizzed previous Jack Butland.

In a VAR-affected contest, Matt O’Riley dinked in a composed penalty – awarded by referee John Beaton after an on-field evaluate confirmed Connor Goldson had dealt with – to ship the away facet into the break two targets forward.

However Tavernier, who endured a torrid first half, slammed in a spot-kick of his personal after Beaton reversed his choice to ebook Fabio Silva for diving beneath the problem of Alistair Johnston.

Cyriel Dessers then thought he had prodded in a leveller a minute later, just for Beaton to rule it out after one other go to to the display for a foul by Tom Lawrence on Tomoki Iwata.

Rangers then huffed and puffed till bedlam ensued in a wild ending – together with a bout of pushing and shoving – to go away it as you had been on the summit.

It is onerous to think about a greater Previous Agency in latest reminiscence.

Within the final decade and extra, derbies by the point clocks have sprung ahead have typically held little significance. Not this one.

Time was standing nonetheless in Glasgow for a pivotal fixture within the tightest title race between the pair since 2011. By the full-time whistle, heads had been spinning.

Billed a must-not-lose for each, strain was on Rangers to show they may hurdle the psychological barrier of defeating Celtic in a significant league encounter.

Not since August 2021 have they managed that, however this level will really feel like three given the way in which the primary half went.

A fever-pitch Ibrox was bordering on turning poisonous. Rangers had been poor; Celtic had been elegant and will have been out of sight.

Regardless of the guests hitting the again of Butland’s internet twice, the Rangers keeper saved his facet within the recreation with England coach Gareth Southgate watching on, denying Maeda earlier than tipping over O’Riley’s header.

On the different finish, Goldson should have scored with a header of his personal and Silva was thwarted twice by Joe Hart. However make no mistake, Rangers had been nicely off it.

The second half was a special story, although. Even regardless of Dessers’ disallowed purpose and Idah’s instantaneous response, Clement’s facet nonetheless managed to discover a approach to salvage some extent from an absolute basic.

One level stays the margin, good luck to you if you wish to predict the way it unfolds from right here.

Participant of the match – Jack Butland (Rangers)

Strap in, of us – evaluation

The place do you start? An Previous Agency derby for the ages.

On the break, these Rangers followers had been watching a repeat of their most-watched horror film.

Celtic asserted their derby dominance and had been everybody’s protected wager for the title when each side headed down the tunnel on the interval.

However Clement has instilled a resilient mentality on this Rangers facet, which was wanted firstly to come back from two down, then required once more only a minute later when Idah drilled in.

Rangers will reclaim high spot by successful their recreation in hand at Dundee on Wednesday, so naturally there’ll nonetheless be speak of pendulums swinging and momentum shifting within the aftermath of this one.

However that fixture solely highlights the unpredictability of this title race. Strapping your self in tight could also be the very best recommendation.

What they mentioned

Rangers supervisor Philippe Clement: “I do not know if it was basic, however my boys did one thing particular. It was the worst approach to begin the sport. However we confirmed our actual high quality and persona.

“We get a well-deserved level. We’re extra the winners of the day. All people sees this staff is completely totally different from 5 months in the past. It might have been extra, however I feel the consequence can also be good.”

Celtic supervisor Brendan Rodgers: “We’re disillusioned to not win, however to go away right here with every thing in our fingers is what we needed.

“We have performed nicely, confirmed high quality and coronary heart in actually powerful situations. There’s nonetheless loads to play for. There is a lengthy approach to go. We’re in a very good place.”

What’s subsequent?

Rangers go to Dundee on Wednesday (20:00 BST) earlier than concluding their pre-split fixtures at Ross County subsequent Sunday (12:00).

Celtic are again in motion the day earlier than at house to St Mirren (15:00).